TACTICAL SHIFT
Everton manager Roberto Martinez made a significant tactical change at half-time by bringing on hold on Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku in the match against West Ham. The Belgian international made a significant contribution as he created one and scored the other, as Everton managed a 3-2 win.
This is the second consecutive win for Everton after they won 1-0 against Chelsea last weekend. Lukaku, though, appeared to have suffered an injury in the process of scoring his goal. Martinez has now confirmed that the injury is nothing serious and that the player will be available for the forthcoming matches.
Everton are undefeated in the season after drawing the first three matches and winning the last two. This has propelled him into the fifth position after having taken 9 points. They will be playing against Premier league opposition Fulham in the League cup. After missing out on a starting spot against West Ham, Lukaku has sufficiently impressed to the manager to earn himself a starting place in this match. It is also highly likely that the 20-year-old will play against Newcastle on Monday. Leighton Baines scored the two goals for Everton with stunning freekicks, which once again demonstrated his importance in the team.
Baines was subjected to transfer interest from Manchester United.
“Romelu is fine. He was in yesterday and the reaction has been great. Our medical department are very, very happy with him and they have no concerns over Romelu. He wants to play tomorrow. He made an immediate impact on Saturday and when you start a new chapter at a football team, scoring is one of those good feelings. He wants to carry on in the same frame of mind,” said the Blues boss. Martinez, though, will be without midfielder Leon Osman for the League cup match against Fulham.